How to set timer with game instance

Hello, I have been struggling for days trying to figure out how to reduce a variable value over time that is stored in my game instance. I have watched many videos and tried replicating what I have seen but none of those videos deal with the game instance. I can reduce the variable value just fine running it in any other BP accept for the game instance. (Update: The screen shot you see is in my third person character event graph)

To clarify what I am attempting to do is: I want the population of my city to consume food over time and reduce the value (level) of food stored. And I need that value to persist in any level (not reset when entering a new level)

Just to make sure I cover all my bases, I have the instance properly set in the maps and modes, I have the variables set in the instance with the proper values set.

238146-instanceissue.png

Please Help!

Is ‘Zombie Ref’ a reference to your gameinstance class?

Yes it is.